The relief, carved on gypsum, guarded an entrance into the
throne room of Ashurnasirpal II (reigned 883-859 BC) at his palace
in Nimrud (ancient Kalhu, the Assyrian capital). The tradition of
protecting the entrances of buildings using magic was very old in
Mesopotamia. Images of supernatural creatures would be buried under
doorways or set up at the entrances of palaces and temples. Their
supposed magical strength would frighten away malevolent
demons.

This figure of a man with wings may be the supernatural creature
known as an apkallu. The significance of the deer and
branch which the figure carries is unknown. He wears a tasselled
kilt and a fringed and embroidered robe, while his curled moustache
and long hair and beard is typical of figures of this date. Across
the body runs the so-called 'standard inscription' of Ashurnasirpal
which records some of the king's titles and achievements and is
repeated on many of his stone reliefs. This cuneiform text was cut
after the figure was carved as some of the details of decoration on
the dress have been chiselled through.